Machine for making printers&#39; leads, slugs, and rules



April 14, 1931- A. H. HEDLY 1,800,938

MACHINE FOR MAKING PRINTERS LEADS, SLUGS, AND RULES I Filed March 30. 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 R m. g g. g Q I Q q) 1Q N R N 3 5 l m; Q: l R r 1 x \l a. I r

t 1 Qa i A. H. HEDLY April 14, 1931.

Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 14, 1931.

A. H. HEDLY 1,800,938

SLUGS AND RULE-5 MACHINE FOR MAKING PRINTERS LEADS,

Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 QQN l QM. w H" wMvnNS wZm Q r i 2 whom 35 r S 2S5 2 \Q Q g W DxR v N J, Ll Gm l 3 w April 14, 1931. HEDLY 1,800,938

MACHINE FOR MAKING PRINTERS LEADS, SLUGS, AND RULES Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 lZ I43 39 f 4 I78 72 /Z/ w 464 A. H. HEDLY April 14, 1931.

MACHINE FOR MAKING PRINTERS LEADS, SLUGS, AND RULES 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 50, 1929 mmv AND RULES A. H. HEDLY April 14, 1931.

MACHINE FOR MAKING PRINTERS LEADS, SLUGS Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 645% @Wa f .1%

w 2' I Ii i A. H. HEDLY A i-il 14, 1931.

MACHINE FOR MAKING PRINTERS LEADS, SLUGS, AND RULES Filed March 50, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 m WM- April 14, 1931. A. H. HEDLY 1,800,938

MACHINE FOR MAKING PRINTERS LEADS, SLUGS, AND RULES Filed March 30, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 ARTHUR H.

Patented Apr. 14, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HEDLY, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO mmmw TrroenAPH corr- PANY, or CHICAGO, ILLINoIs, A CORPORATION or ILLINOIS MACHINE FOR MAKING IRINTERS LEADS, SLUGS, AND RULES Application filed March 30, 1929. Serial No. 351,369.

ticularly of the general type shown in United States Letters Patent, No. 1,438,951 granted to Benjamin S. Elrod on December 19, 1922, this type of machine comprising generally stated a die to which the molten metal for forming a continuous strip is fed and in which the metal becomes set in strip form; feeding means engaging the strip prolecting beyond the die for advancing the strip, the molten metal being fed lnto the die as the strip advaiiices; means severing the strip into sections of the desired length; and means for stacking the strip sections; the primary idea in providing such machines being to pro vide for such economical production of arti cles of this kind. formed of the same, or similar, metal of which type is made, that the entire printing form co'n'iprising the type, leads, slugs, and rules may, without the requirement for separation of the leads, slugs, and rules from the type, be discarded, merely utilizing the metal of whichthe form elements are formed for new type, leads, slugs and rules.

iisly primary object is to provide improvements in such machines to the end that the machines will be better adapted for performing the work for which they are provided and be rei'ldered more economical to maintain; to improve upon the various elements constituting the machine, and other oh ects as will be manifest from the following description.

Referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a machine embodying my improvements.

Figure 2 a plan view of crucibleequipped end of the machine of 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged View in sectlonal elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2,.a portion of the means for operating the moiten-metal pump being broken away.

Figure 3 is asection taken at the l1ne 3 onFig. 3 and viewed in the direction or the arrow.

Figure at is a view in elevation of QPOTUQII of the pump-oporating moans omitted n Figure 5 is a plan view of the mechanism which operates on the molded strip and com prising feeding means for the strip, clamping means for the strip,.means for severing the strip into sections of the desired length,and means for stacking the strip-. sections, the latter means being shown partly broken away. i I Figure 6 is a section taken at the line 66 on Fig. 5 and viewed in the direction of the arrows, this section. being taken atthe stripfeeding mechanism. i l

Figure 6 is a reduced view in plan section taken at the lin'efi on Fig. 6 and viewed in the direction of the arrow. y

Figure 7 is a bottom plan section taken at the line 7 on Fig. 6 and viewed in the direction of the arrow. A i 1 Figure 8 is a section taken at. the line 8 011 Fig. 5 and viewed in the direction of the arrow. y I

Figure 9 is a section taken at the line'9 on Fig. 5 and viewed/in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 10 is a broken perspective view of a detail of the mechanism for clampingthc strip against retrograde movement in the operation of the stripd'eeding mechanism.

Figure 11 is a view in end elevation of the main drive shaft. of the machine and the mechanism by which it is driven.

Figure 12 is a section takenat the line 12 on Fig.5 and viewed in the direction of the arrow, the section beingtaken at the strip cutting mechanism. I I

Figure 13 is a persepectiveview of certain details of the inechanism for holding the strip against lateral displacement in the'cutting operation. I V

Figure 14 is a perspective view, with certain parts broken away, of the strip-section stacking mechanism.

Figure 15 is a section taken at the line. 15 onFig. 5 and viewed in the direction of the arrow showing certain details of the mechanism for gaging the length of the strip-sections produced by the machine.

Figure 16 is a broken viewin side elevation of a detail of the mechanism of Fig. 15 showion ing the illustrated partsin one position they assume.

Figure 17 1s a similar View showlng the parts illustrated in Fig. 16 in a different position assumed thereby.

Figure 18 is a broken perspective View, showing the illustrated parts in section,of a detail of guide mechanism for the strip.

Figure 19 1s a broken plan v ewrot gaging mechanism forming a portion of the inecha nism of Fig. 15. r

Figure 20 is a broken sectional viewin elevation taken at the. line 20 on Fig. 19 and iewed in the direction of the arrow;v U Figure 21 is a section taken at the line 21 on Fig. 20 and Viewed in the direction of the arrow.

1 Figure 22 is a sectional'viewof a detail of certain of the mechanism shown in Fig. 21,

the-section being takenat the line 22 on Fig. 21 with certain parts omitted and one of the illustratedparts shown partly broken away.

Figure 23is a Vertical sectional View of the mechanism for supplying oil to the inner surfaces of the die and F-igure24, a View, in the nature of a diaygram, of the Various electrical circuits for the electrical devices vformingelements of the machine. Y

The machine illustrated comprises, generally stated, means, represented generally at 25, fol-"maintaining a body of molten metal from which the stripsare'to be formed, as forexam-ple and preferablyty pe metal;

die mechanism represented generally at 26 andto which the molten metal is supplied and in which the strip of the desired width and height, and either with or without a rule face, as desired, is formed; oil-feeding means,

represented generally at 27, for feeding oil to the inner surfaces of the die torechice the resistance to the drawing of the formed v strip from the die; strip-feeding mechanism represented generally at 28 operating to intermittently engage {the formed strip beyond the die and draw the strip through the latter;

clamping uneans; represented generally at 29,101preventingretrograde movement of 1 the-strip in the idling-movement of the feeding means to the point at which the stripj-i'eec ling operationbegins; means, represented generally at 30, for severing the strip into sections of: thedesire'd length; and mechanism represented generally at 31 forautomatically stacking the strip-sections.

. The mach n z h wn canip i s e p at 32 supported onlegs 33,;a nd an end bracket ect 3%, t e va i s [me n m above .re ferred to, being. mounted upon this bed plate andbracketj y i V V V 'Ihe mechanism 25 for maintaining a body of molten metal from which the strip is to be 7 formed, comprises afcrucible shown as formed of an ;o,iiter '-'casing-\structure 35. mounted on the bed 32, open'at its .top, and having a bottom section 36; and melting pot prop er 37, formed of refractory material located in the casing and secured at its outwardlyextending surrounding flange portion 38 to the casing 35 in any desirable way, the side wall and bottom-of the pot 37 being spaced from the casing as shown,'in which space any suitable insulating material, as forexample asbestos as represented at 39, 18 positioned.

The casingi'35jcontainsan opening 40 into which a lateral extension 41 of the pot 37 extends, and forms a :tllITQtLt-rPOItlOH, this throat-portion containing a channel 42 opening upwardly at a; cylindrical portion 43 thereof through the bottom of the pot 37, substantially centrally thereof, the opposite end of this channel-opening" through the outer end of the throat-portion 41.

V superposed onthe bottomofthe pot-.37 is a casting M of refractory-material which presents an u )wardl -eXtendin c lindr-ical "ortion 45, theyerticalopening in which is of the same size in cross section as the channel portion 43 and' in direct vertical a-linenient therewith, the parts just referredto forming the cylinder-portion of a pump here inatter' more fully described and which opcrates to force molten metal out of the crucible toqthe die in which the strip is to'be formed, the cylinder {15 containing passages i6 in its side wall through which the molten metal vin the crucible enters this pump cylinder,

The niemb'er lc is provided-witha lateral ent-ension 47' hayingzat its outerend an upright cylinder portlon 48, there being a passage 49 communicating at one end with the portion 43 of the channel 42 and opening through -thesidel wall of the cylinder 48, this passage beingcontrolled by valve mechanisnrhereinafter described. v I

The inechanism25 'also comprises a coyer 7 portion 50 for-the crucible,prefejrably formed with a heat-insulatingsection, as represented at 51, this cover contain ng an opening controlled by ahinged closure 52 and through 'which opening the condition of the metal as for example vwhere the strip is to be used n thejmaking ot leads and slugs, or'of a shape to produce *a rule printing surface, as

in the case of rules. 7

The die to which the molten metal passes T he die 58 is located in, and extends length wise of, an opening 55 extending through a housing 56 secured in the position shown (F 3) to register at the inner end of the" opening therethrough with the outer end of is provided in the member 56 between the die 53 and the crucible-extension &1.

The outer face of the.cruciblcextension ll contains an outwardly-flaring recess 41 into which the channel t2 opens, and into which a circular tapered boss 56 on the housing extends, to maize a tight joint, the housing being; secured in place by screws 56 extending therethrough and screwing into the extension xiii,

The mechanism also comprises heating means for maintainin the metal in the crucible 3? and in the throat-prn'tion thereof and in the inlet portion of the die 53, in molten condiciomthe means for this purpose compri ing an electrical heating unit 58, in the form of an annulus, immersed in the body 59 of the metal in the crucible and surrounding the cylinder an electrical heating unit lorated at the bottom of the crucible and 6X- tendii'ie; lengthwise along the channel 42; a pair of electrical heating units 61 and 62 positioned at the throatportion oi the crucible at opposite sides of the outlet end of the channel 42; a pair of electrical heating units 63 and "6: located in the housing 56 at opposite sides of the opening 54 and betweentho forward extremity of the crucible extension all and the forward, or outlet, end of the die 53, the means for controlliug the supplying of current to these several heating elements being; hereinafter described.

As will be uralerstood, the provision of the heating elements 58, 60, 61, and G2, is to ensure the snaintenaime oi the metal in fluid condition up to a point Where it is caused to become set in the die 53 by the subjection of the metal to cooling means, as hereinafter described.

'lhe lmttom heating unit (it) of rectangular plate-like form is secured, in any suitable way, ilatwise against the underside of the throut-portion of the crucible and the flat unileri-iidc of the housing 56; and the heating unit (ll and 62 of the same term as the unit 30 iii tlatwise against opposite sides of the tl'lroat-portion ofthe crucible and theadjacent sides of the housing 56, the units (ll and (32 being held in place by clamp-screws 61 thread-ed in the casing and bearing a gainst plates 61" between which and the units (ll and 62 insulating material 61, ich as asbestos, is interposed.

It may be here stated that the die 53 is sealed in the housing 56 by metal supplied from the crucible 37 and to this end the passage 49 is provided whereby molten metal from the crucible flows through this passage and thence through the channel 42 into the space around the die 53, the. heatingelements 63 and 64 in this operation being energized to heat the housing 56 tosuch a temperaturethatfthc metal supplied thereto is maintained in molten condition and completely fills the space arouudthe die 53, whereupon the elements 63 and'lii are deenergized and the metal around the die 58 solidifies, sealing: the latter in place. i

The passage lllcontains a rotary valve 65 of cylindrical form located, and rotatable, in the cylinder 48 andhavinga cross port 66 which, whenthe valve is in one position,

:lorrns a part of the passage 49 but when r0 tatcd to a ditl'e'rent position,closes this passthe valve 65having an upwardly extending stem 57 by which it may be rotated.

t will be understood that the heatingelenicnts 62} and 64 also serve as means, when energizcdyto melt the sealing metal around the die 53 to permit of the removal of the latter when desire-d. In the forming of, the strip, themetal sup plied to the die 53 is caused to solidify adjacent the outlet endof the die passage 54, and as a means for ell ecting this result, the housing 56 isprovided with achannel '68 which surrounds the die 53 and through which cooling' water is circulated, the arrangement shown for thuscirculating water comprising a pipe 69 which leads from any suitable source of supply of cooling water and opens into the bottom of the channel 68, thischannel communicating atits upper end with an outlet pipe 7 O discharging intoa drain 71. The cooling water entering the bottom of the channel 68 divides and flows upwardly through opposite sides of the channel 68 and discharges through the outlet 70.

It is desired that during the energizingof the heating units 63 and (i l, flowof cooling; water to channel 68 be discontinued and this channel drained, the latter being effected through a pipe 70 valved at 70" and leading from the bottom ot channel68 into-the drain 71. i

As hereinbeforc stated,the feeding of the molded strip, represented at 7 2, out of the die 53 elfected by pulling force applied there to beyond the die 53, this feed being intermittent. In order that the strip be formed o1" a continuous length, the molten metal must be. causedto flow into the die-channel in the die 53in suflicient volume to maintainthe same completely filled at all times. This is provided for in the machine shown by the pump hereinbefore referred to and provided in thecrucible 37, this pump comprisingthe cylinder {15 and a piston 73 reciprocable therein and pivotally connected at 74 with the lower "endof a link, the upper end of which ispivotally connected at 75 with one hav ng a o l w opening into,

end of a rock arm 76 journalled at 77, on a' bracket. arm 78 on the cover 5Q,'t-he other end ofjthe arm 76 being pivotally connected at 7 9 with the upper end of a rod 80, the lower end of which is connected with a head 81 slotted at 82 and carrying a roller 83 at its lower end, this roller cooperating with a cam 84; rigidly connected with a shaft 85 and constituting the main shaft of the machine, this shaft extending longitudinally of the machine below the bed 32 and being journaled in suitable hearings on the machine frame. The roller 83 is normally held atall times againstihe periphery ofthe cam 84 by a coil spring 86 surrounding the rod 80 and confined between a stationary member 87 on the trame of the machine and through an opening in which the rod 86 is reciprocable, and stop means 88 carried on the upper end of the rod 80, the piston 73 thus being operated on its power stroke by the spring 86.

The parls of the machine are so proportioned and arranged, as hereinafter described, thatduring the movement of the strip-feeding mechanism toward the die 53 mechanism preliminary for posit oning th s to, the feeding of the strip from the die, the piston 7 3rises uncoveringthe openings i6 and permitting molten metal to flow into the cylinder 4, and during the feeding. ofthe strip by the stripsfeeding mechanism the piston 7 3 is forced downwardly to force the molten metal through the channel 412 and into the die-channel 5 1.

Referring now to the means'27 for feeding oil int Lthe die channel 54, these means comprise (Figs. 3 and 23) an oilreservoir 89,

boss 90 at its lower end containing an outlet 91 for the reservoir, this boss screwing, and opening, into the upper end of a tubular member 92 mounted in an opening 93 in a boss extending upwardly from the memberfifi, the lower end of the tubular member 92 being connectedwfith, and the upper end of a tubular member 95 which depends into the chamber 57, -The structure just described also comprises a needle-valve 96 having screw-threaded engagement with a closure-cap 97 of the reservoir 89, this needle-valve extending downwardly through the opening 91 in the boss 9 0 and part way into the opening through the tubular member 92-with only a slight clearance between the needle-valve 96 and the walls of the opening in which it is located. Toward the lower end of the tubular member -92 a. valve seat 98 is provided with which the valve portion 99 of the needlevalve 96 cooperates, the flow of the oil flQDi bhe'reservoir 89 being regulated by adjustme t. of t is n e le-va ve r As the lower end of the oil-feeding means now being described extends intothe molten metal in the chamber 57, means are provided for preventing the fiowfthe mo metal aw-1 B,

into the oilsfeeding means, beyond acertain point, on the power stroke ofthe, piston 7 3, these means comprisinga main check-valve,

.100 shown as in the form of a ball located inthe enlarged portion of the passage in the tube 95 and adapted to seat upwardly aga nst aseat 101, this ball being shown as resting on ab10ck102 presenting a flat bottom and adapted to. fioat on the molten metal within the tube 95, and restrained against dropping out of the tube by a cross pin 103. .As a safety means, a second check-valve in the form of a ball 104' is provided in the passage within the tubularmember 92 for cooperation with a seat 105, this ball being supported on a similar block 106 which floats in the molten metal should the latter rise to this height in the oil-feeding passage,

a stop pin 107 limiting the descent of the a block 106 and valve 104.. v

The purpose of the block-floatsis to maintain the balls out of contact with the molten metal and thereby avoid the possibility of failure of the balls to properly seat against the seats with which they cooperate. 1

The oil is supplied fromthe oil-feeding means to the chamber 57 upon the suction stroke of the piston 73, the oil,'up0n the pressure stroke of the piston, passing, with themetal, into the die-channel 5e; and forming a film upon the walls of'the latter which permits the metal to more freelyflow into the die and avoids undue resistance to the movement of the formed strip 72 in the die.

a By forming the oil-feeding means as de-' scribed, uniform, closelyregulated, flow of the oil to the die channel is provided for,

this being desirable as the supplying of the die, channel 5 L with either an excess ora deficiency of oil is objectionable. If desired, the suction exerted on the oil-supplying means may be regulated to some degree by manipulating the valve65. which affects the oil feed and thus may serve as a factor in regulating the oil=feed Referring now to the details of the illustrated strip-feeding mechanism 28, this mechanism comprises a base 108, in the form of a housing stationarily mounted on, the

bed 32 and containing in its upper portion a :dovetail slot 109 extending longitudinally thereof. Mounted on the top of the member 108 is a slide 110 having a depending dovetail portion 111 interfitting with the walls of the dovetail slot 109, thisslide'being re- .ciproc'able on the member 108 lengthwise of the machine and parallel with the longitudinal axis of the -latter. The upper surface of the slide 110 contains a recess 112, the form of this recess being such,sas shown, that one of its side walls, represented at 113. extends parallel with the longitudinal axis of the machine and itsopposite side wall, represented at ll l, inclines toward the right-hand end of the machine in Fig. 5 away from this blocks may be turned and thus axis. The wall 113 is lined with a bar 115 of uniform width faced by a filler bar 116 likewise of uniform width, and the Wall 114 is faced by a bar 117 of uniform width with its inner upper edge portion beveled as rcpresentcd at 118. The slide 110 is thus formed in its upper surface with an effective recess defined by the opposing surfaces of the members 117 and 116, one side of which is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the machine and substantially coincident with the adjacent face of the formed strip 7 2, as shown in Figs. 5 and6, and the other side of which is spaced from the strip 72 and inclines toward the right-hand end of the machine in Fig. 5 in a direction away from this strip.

The mechanism now being described also comprises a plate member 119 having a lateral extension 120 at which the plate 119 is hingedly connected with a shaft 121 supported at its ends in spaced-apart blocks 122 rising from, and secured to, the slide 110, the shaft 121 extending parallel with the inclined inner face of the member 117. The plate member 119 is thus adapted to be swung at its hinge connection with the slide 110 into and out of the position shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

In order that the strip-feeding mocha nism, the further details of which are hereinafter described, may be adapted for the feeding of formed strips of different widths, the'plate member 119 is slidable at its extension 12() along the singularly disposed s raft 121, the plate 119 being held in any desired position of adjustment along this shaft by gage-blocks 123 pivotally mounted on a rod .124 secured at its ends in the supporting blocks 122 and extending parallel with the shaft 121, these blocks being provided with linger portions 123 at which they are adapted to extend between the extension 120 of the plate 119 andthe adjacent support ing blocks 122. The gagerbloclrs are independently rotatableinto and outof the position just stated, the dotted lines shown in hi 8 representing the position to which the the plate 119 may be adjusted to any desired position along the shaft 121 and the gage-blocks then turned back to a position for holding the plate 119 in the adjusted position. The page blocks 123 are of graduated widths as shown and bear legends indicating the positions to which the plate 119 should be adjusted along the shaft .121 to correspond with different widths of strip 72 to be operated 011. Thus, in the drawings, the plate 119 adjusted toa position for feeding twelve pica strips. If, by way of example, ci irhteen pica strips are to be fed, the gage block 1225 withthe indication 18 thereon should be turned back, the plate 119 adjusted to the right in 5 andthis particula r gage block positioned between the extension 120 and the one of the gage blocks 123 designated 12, it being noted that by adjusting the plate member 119 to the right in Fig. 5, it is bodily shifted in a direction away from the strip 72 and when adjusted to the left in this figure, is bodily moved in a direction toward this strip.

The plate 119 is held against upward displacement from the position'shown in Figs. 5 and 6, by a lock-bolt 126 vertically movable in an opening 126 in the plate 119, its upper threaded end being engaged by a nut 126'}. The lower headed end 127 of the lockbolt extends into a slot/128 in the slide 110 of Tshape in cross section (Fig. 6), this slot being enlarged at one end, as indicated at 129, which permits the plate 119 to beswung on its hinge when this plate is moved along the shaft 121 to a position in which the head 127 of the bolt 126 registers Withgthe enlargement 129' i I The slide 110, together with the parts carried thereby is reciprocated by means of a pin 130 depending from the slide and provided with a roller 131 which extends into the continuous cam groove 132 of a cam 133 mount-ed on the upper end of a shaft 134 journaled in a bearing 135 on the base plate 32, this shaft being driven by a bevel pinion 136 meshing with a bevel pinion 137 on the shaft 85.

Located in a recess 138 in the member 119 and extending into the recess 112 in the body portion of the slide 110 is a wedge block 139 between the side 140 of which and the liner strip 116, the strip 72 extends (Figs. 6 and 7), the opposite side of the block 139 being inclined, asrepresented at 140, at which por tion it is providedwith a series of ball-bearings 141 held in spaced relation. to each other by a cage 142, these balls opposing the inclined inner face of the liner strip 117 as shown in Fig. 6; j

The wedge block 139 is loosely engaged by a crank pin 143 on ashaft 144 extending crosswise of, and journaled in, the meml or 119, the shaft 144 having a radially-extendingpin 145 connected with one. end of a coil spring 146, the opposite end of which is connected with a pin 147 stationary on the memher 119, the arrangement of these parts beingsuch that the spring tends to rotate the shaft 144 in a direction to force. the wedge-block 139 to the left in Fig. 5, namely, into wedging position against the strip7 2. The outer end of the shaft 144 has rigid thereon a cylindrical head 148 containing a recess 149 in the lower portion of its periphery in which a roller 150 "s journaled to partly project beyond the periphery of the head 148, this roller, in the position of the parts shown in Fig. 5 being shown as substantially vertically alined with the axis of the shaft 144.

On the stationary member 108, direztly below the path of movement of the head 148, is

abar151 adjustable longitudinallyof the ma- :the slide to chine; in a groove 152 in the upper side oft-he member 108, thisbar being adjusted by means comprising a shaft 153 journaled at 154 on the member 108 and held 7 movement and having threaded engagement at its inner end with the adjacent end of the bar 151. A clamp screw-151? screwing at its end into the bar 151 and extending into a [slot 151 in the member 108 affords means for maintaining the bar 151 against accidentaldisplacement. p

The bar 151 is provided on its upper surface, at one end, witha raised portion 155 having an incline 156, the portion 155 being at; suchan elevation that in the movement of the left in Fig. 5, the roller.

engages the incline 156 A and rides upon the portion with the result of rotating the shaft 1 141 in a direction to shift the wedgeblock 140 toward the right in Fig, 5, thereby overcoming the tendency of the spring to force the wedge-block into wedging engagement with the strip 7 2. 'Th-e parts just described remain in therelative positions stated until the roller v 150, in themovement of the slide 119 to the right. in Fig. 5, moves beyond the raised portion 155, whereupon the spring 1416 becomes effective to exert yielding pressure on the wedge block 140 tending to shift it to the left in Fig. which results inthe firm gripping ofthe strip 72 between the wedge-block and the linen strip 116 for effect Located to the right in of the feed mechanism 28 is a presser -device 157 in the form of a lever 157 fulcrumed atfone end,

'1 was represented at 158, to a stationary part of the machine and equipped at its other end with aroller 159 held down against the up-' per edge of the strip 72 by a screw 160 freely rotatable in the lever 157 and screwing at its lower end into the stationary part to which the lever 157 is pivoted, a tension spring 160" holding the lever 160 against the underside of the head of the screw.

The mechanism29 for clamping the molded strip 72 against retrograde movement in the movement of the slide 110 to the left in Fig.

5 comprises a cylinder 161 mountedon, and

rigidly secured to, a bracket162 secured to the gbed plate 32, this cylinder containing a piston 163 slotted between its ends 'at 164 and containing .a' cross pin 165 which is straddled by the upper forked end 166 of a lever 167 which extends upwardly into the :slot 16jand1is fulcrumed at v 168 on a, stationary part of the machine. The piston 163 against lengthwise bar 172 and is backed'by a-coilspring 169 located the end of the cylinder 161 andinterposedbetween the piston 163-,and an adjustablestop plug 170 screwed into this end of the cylinder.

The opposite end of the piston 163 contains a horizontallyextending. slot 171 into which a horizontally extending clamp bar 172 ex tends freely, this bar. being located alongside of the molded strip '7 2 and operating when the piston 163 is moved to the right in Fig.9 to clamp the strip 72 against a stationary on anexten sion 175' of thecylinder 161.

The clamp bar17 2 at the portion thereofto the left in Fig. see the cylinder 161, is co I nectedgwith. a spring-pressed plunger 176 mounted in a socket 177 inan extension 1 78v of the cylinder 161 which operates not-only to prevent lengthwise shiftingof the bar 172, but also causes the left-hand end of this :bar

in Fig. 5 to press relativelylightly against a side of the molded strip 7 2. The connection between the plunger 176 and the .bar 17 2 comprises apin '1791passing through the j 7 through the outer end 1 80 of the plunger 176' which is set into avrecess 181 in the. side of the bar 172. The spring forpressing the plunger toward the bar is represented at 182. It surrounds astem 183 of the plunger and is confinedbetweenthe-plunger and the end wall of the recess 177. The stem 183 projects outwardly beyond the cylinder extension 178 where itis pivotally connected 7 at 184; to a manually operated lever 185 fulcrumed at its lower end, as indicated at 186, to the extension 178. r j i I The mechanism for operating the-piston 163 to clamp the formed strip 72 during the movement of the slide 110 to the left in Fig.

5 comprisesthe'lever 167' above referred to, the lower end ofwhich is provided with a roller 187 anda cam 188 rigidly secured to 187 bears continuously.

.the main shaft85 and against whichthe roller Referring now to themechanism 30 for severing the formed strip 72 into strip-sections of the desired length, this mechanism comprises a knife 189reciprocably mounted in a recess 190 having a. cover-plate 191, in

block 192 rigidly connected by a pin 193 with a rod 194 between the endsof the latter.

bar l73 secured to an upstanding fiange 174 The rod 194 is reciprocable in alined'openings 195 and 196 in spaced-apart uprights 197 and 198 on a stationarybracket member 199 secured to the bed 32 ofthe machine. The block 192 contains an, opening 200 therethrough at which it is slidable on a stationary guide rod 201 secured at its opposite ends in the uprights 197 and198 and parallel with the reciprocable rod 194. x

I The knife 189is provided with a laterally extending pin 202 projecting through a slot 203 invthecoverplate 191 and engaged by one end 204 of. a tension spring 205 encircling, at its coil portion, a hub 206 on the 1 rod and a 217.

gether by a coil spring 222,

block 192 and surrounding the rod 20l,ithis I spring yieldingly holding the. knife 189' in the retracted position shown in Fig. 12. I

The knife 198 is actuated by alever-207 for operation by the lever 207, only when the formed strip 72 projects to the right in Fig. i

5 beyond the knife edge 212 of a stationary plate 213, a distance equal tothe length of the strip-section to be produced, at which time the formed strip 72 isat rest. 1 a

The mechanism for thus shiftingthe cutter-equipped block 192 and which is actuated by the formed strip 72 comprises a rod214 having at one end a portion of reduced diameter, as represented at 215, at whlch it SllClingly extends into a socket 216 in oneend of the rod 194, the other end of the rod 214 be ing slidably mounted in a socket 217 in a lug 218 on a plate member 219 connected at one end with the bracket member 199 and at its other end with the frame bracket 34, the rod 214 being backed by a coil spring 220 located in the socket 217 and interposed between this plug 221 at the end of the socket The rods 194xand 214 are connected tothe opposite ends of which are attached, respectively, to a post 223 on the block 192 and a collar 224 rigid on the rod 214, the block 192 being shifted into a position for actuation of its cutter 189 by the lever 207, by the pull exerted thereon through the spring 222 when the rod 214 is moved to the left in Fig. 15.

which extends into the pathof movement of the terminal end of the formed strip 72 and which is moved to the left in Fig. 15, together with the rod 214, in the continuing movement of the formed strip 72, the device referred to being adjustable into dilierent positions lengthwise of the rod 214 to provide for the cutting of the formed strip into strip-sections of any desired length. i K

along, the rod 214 and containing a recess 225 into which a tappet bar 226 extends between its ends,this bar being secured to the block 224 by screws 227, the bar 226 extending lengthwise of, and parallel with, the rod 214.

The bar 226 is provided at opposite ends with lugs 228 and 229 and adjacent the lug 229 with a cross pin 230 which extends into vertically alined recesses 231 in the upper and 'ings when it is desired to strip sections. i

lower walls ofthe recess-225, this pin serving to properly position the bar 2261 in the block The bar 226 is provided for engagement by the terminal end of the formed, strip 72 and is reversible end for end in the blocki224 to present either lug228 or, 229 to thestrip 72, depending on the length of the strip sections to be provided, the. bar226 being positioned reversely to the position shown in the drawproduce very short The block 224 is associatedwith sleeve -inember 232 surrounding,andrslidable along, the rod 214and extending atone endintothc space between the block 224 andqthe rod2l4 and having ahead 233 at its opposite end yond the block'224,= the block 224and sleeve men'iber 232 being relatively movable in a direction lengthwise oftherod 214.

The block 224 contains a ,recess, 284 into which anut 235, threaded on the 51681 61119111- ber 232, i is located and by the rotation of which the block 224 may be moved lengthwise relative to the sleevemember 232, this-block andsleeve beingheld against relativerotary movement by a pin236 on the head, 233 which slidingly extends into a recessr237 in the block224. To'rprevent accidental rotation of the nut 235, a shoe 238slidablein a-rece'ss- 239111 the block 224 and pressedagainst a face ofthe, 111113235, by a spring 240, is providedn v M i, x

Therod 214 isprovidedalong a side thereof witha series of notches 241 with which a pawl 242 on the head 233, of sleeve member 232 engages for locking, this sleeve member in adjusted position along the rod 214. The pawl ZSSllClillJlY mounted inia socket 243 in the head 233 andis. backed by a spring 244 which urges the pawl toward thenotched side of the rod 214. ,Slidab-lein theouter end of the socket 243 is a 1,)lunger245, which, at an opening 246 there-in, freely surrounds the rod The rod 214 is equipped Wlth a device A 214'andopposes the pawl242 andby which the latter may be pressed, against the action and the tappet-bar; 226, to be freely slid together along the rod 214, the nut 235 threadedwupon the sleeve 232 as stated, and engaging the bloc-k 224, furnishing a means by i which a very accurate, or fine, adjustment of r i The device just referred to comprises a, block 224 loosely surrounding, and movablei the bar 226 along the rod 214 maybe effected. To prevent rotation of the block 224 and theparts carried thereby, the upper surface of the rod2l4is made flat, as represented at 247, and the block 224 is provided with a I prises a; bracket 2 against the upright stripthus beingseveredinto a strip section of a length gagedby the setting of the tappeb bar 226 along the rod 214 by the mechanism above described. I

The return of the cutterl-equlp'ped, block 192 to the normal position shown in Fig. 15

is provided for. priiharily by. a; direct mechani'cal connection part of the machine,- as for example and preferably the slide 110, throughthe spring 220,

through theabutnient of the rod 214with the rod 194 exerts for'ce, urgingthe block -192 t0 the nornialposition stated. r The mechanical connection shown coming from, the slide1110 and containing an opening ,251' in which. the shank 252 of a screw-device 253 is fslidably imovable, a coil spring 254, surrounding the-shank 252 and confined between a flange 255 on the uprightv and a disk 256 on tlieshank, vieldingly holding the device 253 at a shoulder 257 thereon 250; The other end'iof the screw-device 253 is serewed into a tube 258, (containing a slot 259 extending longitudinally thereof, and telescoping with the adjacent end of the rod 194, the latter-having a projection 260 its side which slidingly extends into'th'e slot 259. I

. slide 110 1 1pri'ght250 is provided I absorbing, or cushioning, means, the spring In the normal posit on of the mechanism shown in Fig. 15, nar'n'ely,'the position'in which the cutter device 189 extends out of the path or movement of the lever 207, the slide 110 ma reciprocate x'vitliout affecting the position-'ofthe cutter-"equipped b1ock;192, but the arrangement of the various parts (18-,

. scribed is such that the movement'of the slide 110 to the left in Fig. 5 following the shift ing of the bleck 192 and the rod194 to the left in 15 and the concludingtf the strip cutting operation, causes thefleft-hand' end wall of the slot 259 (viewing the slot in Figs.

15, 16 and 17) to engagethe projection 260 on the rod 194, in the final movement of the the actuating lever 207. The 'spring "connection betwe'eirthe screw-device 253' andthe connection222 operating to prevent damage to the operating mechanism in case any obstruction to the rnoveineiit of the block 192 to rm r t n, Pre sd-., a To the right in Fig. 5 beyond the cutter 261 may with a'positively driven. .fi- 't widths,

provided with connected with,v and risseverance of the strip H w the left in Fig.5; thereb'y posr- V tively ensuring the returning of theblo'ck i 192 to norrnal position 15) in which the cutter 189 is out of the'patli of movement of 5 provided. This dog is in the form of a'le'fver primarily as shock 1891sa guide bar 261 for the mold strip 72,

this bar being of angle shape in cross section and fitting over the upper corner edge 262 of table portion,263. se,c"ured to the brackets 199 and 34. ,The-inne'r edge 264" and areheld against lengthwise movement therein, these screws bearing at their inner ends against th'eladjacent edge of the t ble arerotatablein thelfi'ange 266.3 1

top262. By adjusting these screws the bar 7,

v the table top being shown as provided with niark-ingsjto guide the Operator in adjusting this bar; The left-hand be adjusted-for formed strips of difmain Fig. 5, of the bar 261, is preferably a finger 268 having a receding surface 269 which ensures the proper guiding of the end of the formed strip 7 2 into a position in which-it moves along the side 264 of this bar.

I In order thatth'eicutter eflc cctflil 72, the block '1921'is provided with the plate 213 presentingga knife edge 212 which backs the formed strip at the lineof severance; 5

The molded strip 72 "should pressfirrnly' againstthe stationary cutte-r'plate 213at. the beginning of the cutting operation and to ensure this condition a Presser-plate 270 is provided oppo'sitethe stationary cutter plate 213, the plate 27 O, which has an outwardly deflected 'strip guiding end-portion 271', be- 111g connected with 7 one end of a pin 27 2 slidable in the bljeck 192, this pin being pivotally connected at lts'outer end with the lower end of a lever 27 3 fulcriiine'd at 274 on theblock 192 and having a screw-pin 275 threaded at its upper end, the screw 275 bearing against a part of the block and holding the plate 270 :against the side of the foii'ned strip 72 with the desired pressure.-

' As will be'understood, the cutter 189, in performing the cutting operation, shifts the severed end ofthe strip-section to the left in Figs 13 beyond the path of moveinent of the strip 72,"from which the strip=section was cut, and as a meansfor holding the stripsection in the displaced position referred to and thtis out bf the path of in'ov'einent of the terminal end of the eontinuous strip" 7211s it is fed through the machine, a dog. 276

which locks the stripout of such pathyis pivoted at 277 to the block 192 and hearing by gravity upon the top of the strip 72 as the latter is advanced beneath it by thejoperation of the inachine. -When the cutter shifts the strip section, :as st'ated, this dog drops down in frontof theseve'r'ed stripat 279 with the upper reaches of K encircling the shaft the movements just described continuing throughout the continued operation of the machine.

The stripsection-stacking mechanism 31 comprises the table top 263 upon the top of which a follower device 278 is mounted to extend parallel with the path of movement of the continuous formed strip 72 through the machine. The follower 278 is connected sprocket chains 280 and 281 which engage sprockets 282 and 283 carried by stub shafts 284c and 285 journaled on the tabletop, whichlatter is slotted to receive the upper reaches of the chains, as represented at one portion thereof at 286. The chains also engage sprockets 287 and 288, respectively, rigidly secured to a shaft 289 journaled on a stationary part of the machine below the table top.

The follower 278 is yieldingly urged toward the molded strip 7 2 by acoil spring290 289, theend 291 of this coil spring being secured to a stationary part of the machine and its other end operatively connected with the shaft 289 and serving to rotate this shaft in clockwise direction in .11 Fig. 14. To provide for the adjustment of the tension of the spring 290, the end thereof opposite the end 291 is connected with a collar 292 rotatably and slidably mounted on the shaft 289 and having releasable clutch engagement with a collar 293 rigid on the shaft 289, this clutching engagement being provided by a lug 294 on the collar 292 which normally extends into a slot 295 in the collar 293. l

The follower 278 thus being positioned opposite the strip sections as the latter are produced by the operations of the cutting mechanism, these sections, represented at 7 2, are caused to be stacked on the table top 263,

as shown in Fig. 5, the follower 278 receding in oppositionto the action of the spring 290 as the stack of sections increases.

The particular illustrated construction of follower 27 8 comprises a main body portion 1 296 of angle shape in cross section at which the follower is attached to the chains 280 and 281. Extending along the upwardlyextending flange-portion 297 of the part 296, and adjustable therealong, is a strip 298 having rearwardly-extending headed studs 299 which project at their reduced portions through elongated slots 300 inthe flange 297, thus permitting of the shifting of the strip 298 lengthwise of the machine,

whereby the follower may be conditioned for operating in the most desirable way for the stacking of strip-sections of "greatly varying lengths. For the shorter lengths of strip-sections, the strip 298 is preferably adjusted to the position shown in Fig. 14.

For the longer strip-sections, it is preferably shiftedto the rightin this figure. A coil spring 301 carried by the body portion 296 and extending through a slot 302 in the flange 297 and engaging at its free end with the strip 298, tends to yieldingly hold the latter in the position shown in the drawings. The shifting ofthe strip 298to the right in this figure is against the tension of the spring 301., the strip being held in such shifted position by swinging a dog 303 pivoted at 301 on the flange 298, into a-position to engage,

and for a stop for, the adjacent stud 299.

As will be understood from the foregoing description, the drive for all of the positively driven parts of the machine is through the drive shaft 85, this shaft being shown as driven by an electric motor 305 shown as mounted on theframe of the machine and driving a belt 306engaging a pulley307 rigid with a pinion 308 meshing with a gear 309 keyed to the drive shaft 85. y

In the machine shown the electrical heating element 58 is thermostatically controlled to maintain the body 59 of molten metal in the crucible at the desired temperature and provision is made for controlling the amount of current supplied to the throat-heating units 61 and 62 and also for controlling the flow of current to the bottom heating unit 60, the sealing units 63 and 64 andthe motor 305. These various controlling means are located in a housing 310 positioned below the bed 32, and, together with the electrical circuitscontrolled thereby, are illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 24to which reference is now made.

The line wires through which the current is supplied, are represented at 311 and1312 with a hand-controlled switch 313 interposed therein. l

The heating coil 58 isconnected at one end with a wire 314 which is connected, through a fuse 315, with the stationary contact 316 of the switch 313, the other end of the coil 58being connected with awire3l7 leading to a stationary contact 318 of a self-opening solenoid switchrepresented at 319, the ener gizing coil of this switch being represented at 320 and its core at 321, the core carrying a bar 322to which three contacts 323, 324 and 325 are connected, these contacts cooperating with the contact 318 and with stationary contacts 326 and 327, respectively.

The wire 31 1 is connected with one end of a protective resistance coil 328, the other end of which connects witha wire 329 connected with one end of the solenoid coil 320' and with a wire 330 whichconnects with a contact 331 of a thermostat 332 of a conventional form submergedat its lower end in thebody 59 of the molten metal in the crucible. The contact 331 is carried by an arm 333 pivoted at 334 to a stationary part of the thermostat and ensaseable by the pansion; bar 335 of the thermostat, the arm 333 cooperating with acontact-arm' 336 of the thermostat and pivoted at 337. Thearm 336 is positioned between the contact 331 and a stationary contact 338, a spring 339 yieldingly forcing the arm 336 toward the contact 338.

, "a wire 344 with the stationarycontact 327 a Tee 3,13, and

' fuse 345 being interposed in the wire 342. V a

When the temperatureof the metal in the crucible lowersto acertain degree, the con tacts 336 and 338 of the thermostat engage thereby causing the coil 320 to be energized which closes the solenoidswitch 319 and current fromthe main line wires flows through the heating coi'l 5 8 the circuits thus established being as follows: Line wire-311,

switch 313, wire 314, protective resistance 328, wire 329, coilv 3 20, wire 340, thermostat arm 336, contact 338', wire 342,,switch 313 and wire 312. By establishing this circuit the coil 320 is energized and moves the Con tacts 323, 324 and 325 7 spectively, with the contacts 318, 326and 327, whereupon the current flows through wire 311, switch313, wire 314, heating"coilg58, wire 317, V 7

wire 312. The closing-of the switch as stated also establishes a holdingcircuit for the switch 319 for holding it, closed following the disengagement of the thermostat arm 336 with the contact 338 and nntil the arm 336 engages the contact 331, this circuit being as follows: Wire 311, switch 313, wire 314, resistance coil 328, wire 329,coil 320, wire 340, wire 341, contacts 326 and 324, bar

322, contacts 325 and 327, wires 344 and 342, v

switch313, and wire 312.- i 7 e 1 When the temperature of thefmetal .injthe crucible risesto alcertain degree the contact arm 336 of the thermostat and the contact 331 engage therebycausing the switch .319 to openand the heating coil 58 to become deenergized, the circuits which =a'reqestablished upon the conditioning of the thermostat as just stated being as followsr-Wrre 311, switch 313, wire 314, coil 328, wire 330, contact 331, arm 336, wire 340, wire 341, contacts 326 and 324, and 327, wires 344 and-342, -switch;31 3, and wire 312. The circuit justdescribedthereby causes thex'coil 320 to be shorhcircuited whereupon the switch 319 automatically opens and breaks the circuit through the heating coil 58. 7 v V r A r The switch 319 -remains open until the thermostat arm 336 again engages withthe contact 338 upon the lowering of the temperature of the metal to a certain degree into engagemen-t,'re-

bar 322, wires .344 and 342, switch.

bar 322, contacts a 325 whereupongthe switch 319- is again operated to close the circuit in which the heating coil 58 is interposed; Referring" now to the controlling means for the motor 305, the bottom heating-ole;

the-motor 305, thewiring therefor-includes wiresy4061and 407 connected through the switch313 :withthelin'e wires311- and 312,

respectively. 7 The wire 406 connects with one of the stationarycontacts of switch 400 and the wire 407 with the other stationary contact thereof, the two' arms ofthe switch beingconn'ected with the and 409,; respectively. ;-Thus by closing switch 400 the current is supplied to motor 305; The wiring for the circuit controlling the bottom heating unit 60 comprises the wire 407,;a wire 410 connected .with'wire 407 V and with awire- 411 -connected with the-arm e motor by wires 408 of the switch 401, a;wir.e41-2 connected with the stationary contact of :switch 401 and with one-end offthe resistance element of the coil, a'wire connectedwiththe other end of this coil and with a' bar 413, and a wire 414' connecting-the bar-413 withfbar 415 connected by a wire 416withthe wire 406. Thus when the switch 1401 is closed current from the main line traverses wires 407,410, 411 switch 401, wire 412, heating coil 60, bar 413, wire 414, bar" .415, and .wire416j to wire ,406.,

The vwiring heating units 63' and64 comprises the wires 407, 410 and 411, the switch 402, a, wire 417 connected with 1 the stationary contact of switch 402 andwith'a wirc 418 connected at i one end'with =one'end of unit 63 and atits other endwith one end of; unit 64; a wire;

419 connecting the-other end'of unit63 with the bar 413 and a .wire 420 connecting the other endoflunit 64 with the bar 415. Thus .whenswitch 402, is closed current from the main line traverses wires 407, 410 and 411, switch 402, wire 417,1wire'418, 'unit 63, wire 419, "bar {413, wire 414,.bar 41 5, wire 4 16,

and wire 406; and also traverses-wire 418,

to unit 64 wire 420, bar 415, and wires 416 and 406, the units 63 and 64' being thus in parallel, wherebyboth of said'units are energized. p, f -V [e e The wiring for the circuit controlling-the heating units 61 and 62' comprise the wires 407, 410, a wire 42l connected with each of the arms of switches 403, 404v and 40 a wire for the circuit controlling the 422 connected with the stationary contact of switch 405 and connected with one end of each of the two coils 423 and 424 of a resistor, the other ends of which are connected with a wire 425 which is connected with one end of each of two coils 426 and 42? of another resistor and with the stationary contact of switch 404, the other ends of the coils 426 and 42? being connected with a wire 428 which connects at one end with the stationary contact of switch 403 and at its other end with a wire 429 connected at one end with one end of unit 61 and at its other end with one end of unit 62. The other end of unit 61 is connected with the bar 413 by a wire 430 and the other end 01" unit 62with bar 415 by a wire43l.

Upon closing switch 405 the current traverses wires 407, 410 and 421, switch 405, wire 422, coils 423 and 424, and 426 and 42?, wire 428, wire 429, unit 61, wire 430, wire 414, bar 415, and wires 416 and 406, current also traversing wire 429, unit 62, wire 431, bar 415, and wires 416 and 406, units 61 and 62 thus being in parallel. The current thus traverses the resistors, comprising the pair of coils 423, 424, and pair of coils 426 and 427, which pairs are thus in series and current for heating the units 61 and 62 to a low temperature is supplied thereto.

If the switch 404 is closed, instead of switch 405, the current traverses wires 407, 410 and 421, switch 404, wire 425, coils 426 and 42?, wire 428, thence through the units 61 and 62 and back to wire 406 as explained in connection with the closing of switch 405. The current thus traverses coils 426 and 427 only of the resistors and consequently units 6i and 62 are heated to a higher degree than Where the switch 405 only is closed.

It switch 403 is closed instead of either switch 404 or 405, the current traverses wires 407, 410 and 421, switch 403, wire 428, and

thence passes through the heating units 61 and 62, and then to the wire 406. All of the coils of the resistors are thus cut out of circuit and the full current is supplied to the heating units 61 and 62to heat them to a relatively high temperature.

While I have illustrated and described a particular construction embodying my invention I do not wish to be understood as in tending to limit it thereto as the same may be variously modified and a tered without departing from the spirit of my invention What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is: i

1. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a stationary die in which the continuous strip is to be formed, a cruci ble having an outlet in communication with said die, electrical means for heating said crucible and maintaining the metal from which the strip is to be formed, in molten condition to the point at which it becomes solidified insaid die, and meansfor causing the formed strip to advance through said die.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a die in which the continuous strip is to be formed, acrucible having a throat-portion through which the metal flows to said die, an electrical heating element for heating the metal in said crucible, an electrical heating element extending along thebottom of said throat-portion, electrical heating elements located at opposite sides of said throat-portion adjacent said die, and means for causing theformed strip to advance through said die.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a diein which the continuous strip is to be formed, a cruciblehaving a throat-portion through which the metal flows to said die, an electrical heating element for heating cible, an electrical heating element extend ing along the bottom of said throat-portion, electricalheating elements located at opposite sides of said throat-portion adjacent said die, means for regulating the current to said last-referred-to heating elements, and means for causing the formed strip to advance through said die. i

4. In a machineof the character described, the combination of a die in which the continuous strip is to be formed, a crucible having a throat-portion through which the metal flows to said die, an electrical heating element for heating the metal in said crucible, an electrical heating elementextending along the bottom of said throat-portion,

electrical heating elements located at opposite sides of said throat-portion adjacent said die, means for regulating the current to said last-reterred-to heating elements comprising a plurality of resistors of fixed resistance, means for selectively interposing said resistors in the circuit, and means for causing the formed strip to advance through said die. V

5. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a crucible having a throat-portion terminating in an outlet, a housing having an opening .therethrough and communicating at one end with said out let, a die in said housing and in which the strip is to be formed, electrical means for heating said crucible and maintaining the metal from which the strip is to be formed, in molten condition to the point at which it becomes solidified in said die, said means comprising heating elements at opposite sides of said throat-portion and lapping the adjacent end of said housing, and means for causing the formed strip to advance through said die. i

6. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a crucible having a throat-portion terminating in an outlet, a housing having an opening therethrough the metal in said cruare and communicating at one end with said outlet, a die in said housing and in which the strip is to be '"formed, electrical means for heating said crucible and maintaining the metal from which the strip is to be formed, in molten condition to-the point atwhich-it becomes solidified in said die, said means comprising heating elements at opposite sides of said throat-portion and a heating element at the bottom of saidthroat-portion, all of said heating elements lapping the adjacent end; of said housing, and means for causing the formed strip to advance through said die.

7. In a machine of the characterdescribed,

the combination of a crucible havingan outlet opening through an outwardly'flaring re cess in the exterior surfaceof the'crucible,

a housing having an .ope'ningtherethrough and formed with a taperingboss at which it fits into said recess to produce a tightjoint, said outlet and opening being in registration, and a die insaidhousing and in which the strip is to be formed. 1 V

8. Ina machine of the character set forth, the combination of a stationary die-inwhich the continuous strip is to beformed, a housing in which said die is located inspaced' relation thereto, azcrucible containing a passage through which molten metal is supplied to saiddie, and a valve controlling the supplying of sealing molten metalto the space between said housing and die.

9. Ina machine ofthe character set forth, the combination of a die in which the continuous .strip'is to be formed, a housing in which said die is located inspaced relation thereto,

a crucible containing an outlet'passage in communication w th said d e, means for pumping molten metal from said crucible into said outlet passage, sald crucible contaming an auxiliary passage between said'pump and Cll-VlllClliOPEIlS nto said outlet passage and is in communication with the moltenmetal in said crucible, and a valve controlling theflow of metal through said auxiliary passage. 7 1 7 V 10; In a machine of-the character described, the combination 'ofa die in which the continuous strip'is to be formed, a crucible from -which the metal for forming the strip is supplied to said die, and meansfor engaging the formed strip and intermittently advancing -it comprising a slide member, a clamp member cooperating with said slide member for clamping the strip, said members being relatively movable, an upwardly extending driving shaft, a cam on said shaft and a depending pin on said slide-and engaging said cam for actuating said slide-member.

11. In a machine of the character described,"the combination-of a die in which the continuous strip is to be formed, a crucible from which the metal for forming the strip issuppliedto said die, and means for engaging the formed stripand-intermittently ads. vanclng 1t comprising a slide member, an

clamp-member cooperating with said slide member for clampingthe strip, said members 1 being relatively movable, a drive shaft extending lengthwise of the machine, an upwardly extending shaft driven from said drive shaft, a cam on said second-namedshaft and a depending pin on said slide engaging said cam'for actuating said slide member.

12. In a machine [of the character described, the combination of a die in which the continuous strip is to be formed,v a cruciwedge-block,means'tending to force said wedge-block into clamping engagement with the strip, andmeans cooperating withsaid rock shaft for rendering said third-named means ineffective during a portion of the movement of said slide member. a

13, In a" machine of the character described, the combination, of a diev in which the continuous strip is to be formed,'a crucible from which the metal. for forming the strip is supplied to said die, and means for engaging the formed strip and, intermittentlyadvancing it comprising a slide member having a wedge surface, means for resurface and mov-' ciprocating said slide member, a wedgeblock cooperating with said wedge surface and movable with said "slide member and movableointo and out ofclamping engage ment with the"strip,;a rock shaft on said slide member and having eccentric connec-f tion with said wedge-block, meanstending to force said Wedge-block into clamping en,- gagement with the strip, having an eccentric, anda surface "stationary said rock shaft relative to said eccentric and along which said eccentric ismovable in the actuation of said slide member and'by which said eccentrio is operated to rock said rock shaft to a position'in which said third-named means are rendered ineffective. 1

14. In a machine' of the character described, the combination -of a die in which the continuous strip is to be formed, a crucible from which the metal'for forming the strip is supplied to said die, and means for engaging the formed.v strip and intermit tently advancing it comprising a slide member, means for reciprocating said slide member, justable therea-long in a path extending at an ang .tcthe p ane of movement, of Said saids'lide memberihaving a sectionadg 

